The dining hall buzzed with the usual morning chatter, but beneath the casual conversation, Caelum could sense an undercurrent of tension. The clinking of silverware and the hum of students talking created a steady rhythm, but today it felt charged, as though everyone was waiting for something to happen.
Caelum sat with Seraphine and Aelric at their usual spot near the large bay window, sunlight spilling in and casting soft, warm light across the table. The view outside was calm—the academy grounds peaceful, with a gentle breeze rustling the trees. But inside, rumors were swirling. Snippets of conversation floated around them, whispered accusations and speculation about changes coming to the academy.
“I heard they’re cutting allowances for students from the mortal realm,” one student murmured at a nearby table, casting a glance toward a group of commoners.
“Figures. Nobles think they can push everyone else out,” another student replied bitterly.
Aelric leaned back in his chair, spearing a piece of fruit from his plate as he turned to Caelum. “You’ve heard the latest, right? Nobles are pushing hard. Something about how ‘low-bloods’ should have to earn their keep with more than just magic. They want us cleaning floors or something to afford our studies.”
Seraphine frowned, her violet eyes narrowing slightly as she picked at her breakfast. “It’s not right,” she said softly, her voice laced with concern. “Magic isn’t about bloodlines. Everyone here is talented in their own way. But the nobles... they’re getting more vocal.”
Caelum nodded, not surprised by the news. The divide between noble-born and commoner students had always been present, but lately, it had grown sharper. He could feel it in the air—the way the nobles walked with an extra swagger, the way they whispered among themselves, casting smug glances at anyone who wasn’t one of them.
Alistair Drenor, in particular, had been relentless in his taunts. Caelum could see him now, seated at the far end of the dining hall with his group of fellow nobles, their laughter ringing out above the general hum of conversation. Alistair caught Caelum’s eye and sneered, raising his goblet in a mock toast.
“Lowborn Null,” Alistair mouthed, barely audible but dripping with disdain.
Caelum felt the familiar flicker of irritation but quickly squashed it down. He wasn’t going to give Alistair the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, he turned his attention back to Seraphine and Aelric. “We’ll just have to rise above it. Prove that it’s not about where we come from.”
Aelric grinned, leaning forward. “Well, that’s what we’re doing with the tutoring, right? Show them we’re not just some pushovers.”
Seraphine smiled at that, though her expression was still shadowed by unease. “We’re making a difference, but we’ll need to do more. The nobles aren’t going to back down easily.”
Caelum nodded in agreement. He had already felt the weight of expectations growing on him—both from the commoner students who were starting to look to him for guidance and from the noble-born students who saw him as a threat. The tutoring sessions had been going well, but if the rumors about allowance cuts were true, they would have to step up their efforts.
As they ate, Caelum’s thoughts drifted back to the rumors, wondering how much time they had before things escalated further. If the academy truly bowed to the pressure of the nobles, life for students from the mortal realm would become even more difficult.
Aelric’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Speaking of tutoring, how’s tonight looking? We’ve got a decent group coming, right?”
Caelum nodded. “Yeah, it’s growing. I think the students are starting to see that we can help. If we keep at it, we’ll be able to expand.”
Seraphine glanced at him, her expression softening. “We should start thinking about rotating locations. My room next, then maybe the library’s study rooms. It’ll keep things fresh.”
Caelum chuckled. “Sure, but I’ll admit I’m curious to see how you’ve decorated your room.”
Seraphine rolled her eyes playfully. “Don’t get your hopes up. It’s just a room.”
The lightness in their conversation provided a brief respite from the tensions swirling around them. But as they finished breakfast, the weight of what lay ahead settled back over them like a heavy cloak.
Whispers still circled through the hall. Caelum could feel the pressure building, the divide between noble and commoner students growing deeper by the day. He knew that soon, he, Seraphine, and Aelric would be thrust into the middle of it all.
But for now, they had tutoring. And as long as they kept proving themselves, they had a fighting chance.
As they finished breakfast, the quiet hum of conversation in the dining hall was interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps approaching their table. Caelum glanced up just in time to see one of the academy’s messengers—a young boy, no older than twelve—carefully making his way through the rows of tables. His uniform was crisp, and in his hand was a small envelope, sealed with the crest of Astral Haven.
The boy reached their table and cleared his throat, holding out the envelope to Caelum. “This is for you, sir,” he said, his voice steady despite the weight of the message he was delivering.
Caelum took the envelope, his fingers brushing against the smooth, waxy seal. His eyes flicked to the crest: the intricate pattern of a phoenix rising, symbolizing the academy’s motto of renewal and transcendence. It was unmistakably official.
“Thank you,” Caelum said, though the boy had already turned and made his way back through the dining hall. He flipped the envelope over in his hands, his curiosity growing. A meeting summons? It wasn’t something that happened often.
Beside him, Seraphine watched intently, her expression shifting as Caelum broke the seal and pulled out the letter. Her brows furrowed, a nervous energy creeping into her posture.
“Well?” Aelric leaned in, a grin playing on his lips. “What is it? I’m not invited to some fancy dinner, am I?”
Caelum unfolded the parchment, his eyes scanning the neatly written words. His expression didn’t change, but a flicker of surprise passed through him as he read the invitation. The letter was formal, direct: Caelum Serin and Seraphine Valebrook, you are hereby requested to meet with Headmaster Alistair in his office at noon. The professors Vanis and Zarya will also be in attendance. Do not be late.
Seraphine leaned in closer, her violet eyes widening as she read over his shoulder. Her face paled slightly as she sat back, folding her arms across her chest.
“Headmaster Alistair,” she whispered. “What could he want? Do you think it’s about the tutoring?”
Caelum folded the letter and set it on the table, his mind working through the possibilities. Seraphine was worried, and he could understand why. Their tutoring sessions had grown popular, especially among the commoner students. While they hadn’t broken any rules, there was always the possibility that the academy’s administration would frown upon their efforts.
“I don’t know,” Caelum replied, his tone calm despite the uncertainty swirling around them. “But it doesn’t say anything about being in trouble.”
Seraphine fidgeted, her fingers brushing over the edge of her plate. “It’s too soon to tell, but it feels like we’re about to be reprimanded for something. Maybe it’s the nobles—they’ve been looking for any excuse to complain.”
Aelric, ever the optimist, waved his hand dismissively. “Reprimanded? If you were in real trouble, they’d have thrown you out already. Come on, Seraphine, what’s the worst they could say? ‘You’re too good at tutoring, stop helping people?’ You’ve done nothing wrong. Caelum’s right—this is probably just some formality.”
Seraphine shot him a pointed look. “You don’t understand, Aelric. They don’t need a reason when the nobles are pushing their agenda. Even if we haven’t broken any rules, we could still be walking into something.”
Aelric grinned, clearly unfazed by her concerns. “If that’s the case, you’ll talk your way out of it. You always do. Besides, if they wanted to kick you out, they wouldn’t bother with an invitation like this. Trust me.”
Caelum, sensing Seraphine’s unease, reached out and placed a hand on her arm, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “He’s probably right, Seraphine. Let’s just go and see what they have to say. Worst-case scenario, we explain our side, and we move forward.”
Seraphine bit her lip, nodding slowly. “Alright,” she said after a moment, though the worry didn’t fully leave her eyes. “But we need to be prepared.”
Caelum glanced at the clock above the dining hall’s entrance. Noon was fast approaching. They had time to gather themselves, but not enough to let the nerves build.
“Let’s focus on what we know,” Caelum suggested, his tone measured. “We’ve been asked to meet with the headmaster. That’s all. Until we hear more, there’s no point in worrying about what we don’t know.”
Seraphine gave a small smile, though her tension lingered. “I suppose you’re right. I just don’t like being blindsided.”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Aelric leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head with a lazy grin. “You two will be fine. And when this is over, we’ll celebrate by ordering that terrible pie you love so much from the café.”
Seraphine rolled her eyes, but a hint of amusement tugged at her lips. “I don’t love it. It’s just… tolerable.”
Aelric shrugged. “You say that, but I’ve seen you eat three slices in one sitting.”
The tension broke just a little, and Caelum smiled, glad to see the weight lifting from Seraphine’s shoulders. But even as they joked, the summons lingered in the back of his mind. The meeting with Headmaster Alistair wasn’t something to take lightly.
And while he was calm on the surface, a small part of him couldn’t help but wonder what awaited them behind the headmaster’s door.
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The heavy oak doors to Headmaster Alistair’s office stood before them, looming as though guarding the secrets of Astral Haven itself. Caelum glanced at Seraphine, who fidgeted slightly, her violet eyes betraying her nerves. Taking a deep breath, he reached out and knocked. The doors swung open soundlessly, revealing the headmaster’s office beyond.
The space was grand yet understated. Unlike many parts of the academy, where grandeur was flaunted, the office exuded authority through subtlety. Tall bookshelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes. The ceiling was vaulted, with gentle light filtering through stained glass windows, casting muted colors across the room. Nooks filled with magical artifacts as if on display. Everything was polished, and magical wards hummed faintly in the background, invisible but palpable. There was power here, not flashy, but ever-present.
At the center of the room sat Headmaster Alistair behind a large wooden desk, his presence commanding yet approachable. His silver hair framed his weathered but sharp features, and his piercing eyes regarded them with warmth as they entered. On either side of him, Professors Vanis and Zarya stood quietly, their expressions unreadable but calm.
"Caelum, Seraphine," Headmaster Alistair greeted them with a slight nod, gesturing for them to sit in the two chairs in front of his desk. "Welcome. I trust you’ve had a successful first week at the academy?"
Seraphine hesitated, glancing briefly at Caelum before responding. "Yes, Headmaster. It’s been... eventful." She tried to smile, but her anxiety showed.
Headmaster Alistair’s eyes twinkled with amusement, though his tone remained serious. "I’ve heard as much from your professors." He gestured toward Professor Vanis and Professor Zarya, both of whom nodded in quiet agreement. "In fact, I’ve heard glowing reports. You’ve both exceeded expectations—Caelum, especially. A balanced affinity is no small matter."
Caelum shifted in his seat, unsure how to respond to the praise. The headmaster continued without waiting for an answer.
"Seraphine," Alistair said, his gaze settling on her, "your professors have spoken highly of your abilities in alchemy and arrays. You have a natural talent for precise magic, and I’ve no doubt you will do great things in your time here."
Seraphine seemed to relax slightly under the compliment, her shoulders loosening as she offered a more genuine smile.
"And Caelum," the headmaster’s eyes turned back to him, "Professor Zarya tells me you’ve taken well to your extra training. Your ability to withstand and transmute elemental forces is... impressive, to say the least."
Professor Zarya nodded, her iridescent eyes flickering in the light. "He’s a fast learner. His balanced affinity allows him to endure things others couldn’t."
Caelum felt a flush of pride, though he kept his composure. It was surreal to hear such praise from figures he respected so deeply.
But the lighthearted tone of the conversation soon shifted as Headmaster Alistair leaned forward slightly, folding his hands atop his desk. "Now, onto more pressing matters."
Seraphine tensed again, clearly anticipating reprimand, but before she could speak, Alistair held up a hand to forestall her.
"Your tutoring activities," he said slowly, "have come to my attention."
Seraphine’s eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to protest. "Headmaster, it was my idea," she said quickly. "I thought it would be a way to help the other students who were struggling—"
Alistair raised a hand, interrupting her. "I’m not angry, Seraphine. In fact, quite the opposite."
Both Caelum and Seraphine blinked in surprise.
"You’ve taken initiative," Alistair continued, "something I encourage in my students. And from what I’ve heard, the students you’ve tutored are already showing improvement. You’ve provided a service that goes beyond what’s expected of you."
Seraphine sat back, her tension slowly melting away. "So... we’re not in trouble?"
Alistair chuckled softly. "Not at all. In fact, I’d like to offer you both official sponsorship from the academy."
Caelum and Seraphine exchanged startled glances.
"I propose you continue tutoring," the headmaster explained. "On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. You’ll be compensated for your efforts—both from the academy and from the fees you charge the students. This will allow you to reach more of your peers and prove that magical potential isn’t tied to noble bloodlines."
Seraphine’s face lit up with relief and surprise, but Caelum sensed the conversation wasn’t over. The headmaster’s expression had grown more serious, and his next words confirmed Caelum’s suspicions.
"Now, to the real reason I called you here," Alistair said, leaning back in his chair. "I’m sure you’ve both heard the rumors about changes to the academy’s allowances for lower-blooded students—particularly those from the mortal realm."
Caelum nodded, his expression hardening. "Yes. There’s talk that the nobles want to cut allowances for commoners and mortal-born students."
Alistair’s eyes darkened slightly. "More than just talk, I’m afraid. The nobles are pushing hard for these changes. They want to force students like you, Caelum, into menial tasks—cleaning, maintenance—just to afford your studies. It’s their way of ensuring that only those with noble bloodlines can focus on their magical education, further entrenching the divide between high-bloods and low-bloods."
Caelum’s fists clenched in his lap. Seraphine looked equally outraged.
Alistair’s voice softened, though the gravity of his words was unmistakable. "That’s why I need the two of you to place at the top of your class this year."
Seraphine’s mouth dropped open slightly. "The top of our class?"
The headmaster nodded. "If you succeed, you will gain class seats in your second year. Seats that carry influence. Influence over resources, over class access, over the academy’s missions. You can set an example that magical potential isn’t tied to pedigree. You can help ensure fair treatment for those who come from less privileged backgrounds."
"And if we fail?" Caelum asked, his voice low.
"Then the narrative remains the same," Alistair said quietly. "The nobles will claim that only high-bloods are truly capable of greatness. The academy will become even more divided, and students like you will be forced into positions that prevent them from reaching their full potential."
The weight of the headmaster’s request settled over them like a thick fog. Caelum knew the stakes were high—higher than he had ever realized.
"You’ve already proven you have the potential," Alistair added. "Now, you just need to solidify it. I have faith in you both."
Seraphine sat in stunned silence for a moment, her mind clearly racing. Caelum, however, straightened in his seat, his resolve hardening.
"We’ll do it," he said firmly.
Alistair smiled, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Good. Then prepare yourselves. The next few months will test you in ways you can’t yet imagine. But if you succeed... you will change the academy forever."
With that, the headmaster stood, signaling the end of the meeting. Caelum and Seraphine rose from their seats, their minds still reeling from the weight of the conversation.
But as they turned to leave, the headmaster’s voice halted them. "Before you go, there’s something else you should know."
Seraphine and Caelum exchanged glances before turning back to face Alistair. He remained standing, his hands resting on the desk as he addressed them, his tone shifting to one of urgency.
"You’re no doubt aware that the final exams are approaching," Alistair said, his eyes settling on Caelum. "What you may not realize is the full extent of what these exams entail—and how critical your performance will be."
The air in the room grew heavier as the headmaster continued, pacing slowly behind his desk, Caelum and Seraphine frozen in place behind their chairs. "The exams are broken down into three parts, each one designed to push you beyond your limits. The first is Knowledge Recall. It’s straightforward—written examinations covering all the magical principles you’ve learned over the semester. You’ll be tested on every aspect of magic we’ve covered in class—spellcraft, enchantments, elemental theory, alchemy. There will be one thousand points possible in this section."
Seraphine’s brow furrowed slightly, already calculating the challenge of preparing for such an extensive test. Caelum nodded, his mind racing through the topics he’d studied, knowing that his absorption of books and knowledge would be an asset in this section.
"The second component," Alistair continued, "is Practical Performance. This is where things become more... visible."
Caelum’s stomach tightened. He knew what the headmaster was implying.
"Your mana control, elemental skills, forging, enchanting—everything will be on display," Alistair said, his eyes narrowing slightly as they focused on Caelum. "And that includes your balanced affinity. It won’t remain hidden after the exams, Caelum. The entire academy will see what you’re capable of."
Caelum swallowed hard, his mind flashing to the lessons with Zarya, the fire and earth he controlled so well, the complex enchantments he’d begun to master. But knowing that everyone would witness his abilities—his potential and his weaknesses—was a different kind of pressure altogether.
"You’ll be graded on a scale from C to SSS," Alistair continued. "C is the lowest passing grade, and anything below that will be considered a failure. A small number of students, typically those with body affinities or high-noble blood, will achieve S-rank, but you should aim higher. Your potential may very well place you in the upper tiers."
Seraphine’s gaze flicked toward Caelum, her expression unreadable, though he could sense her silent encouragement.
"And then," Alistair said, his voice lowering, "there’s the final component—the Combat Trials."
Caelum and Seraphine both straightened at the mention of combat. This was the part that would truly test their mettle.
"First-year students will engage in one-on-one duels. These duels will determine your rankings, which will carry over into your next semester and your second year. As you know there are four semesters in every year, starting in your second semester your class ranking becomes more important. The higher your ranking, the more influence you’ll have. Your rank will determine everything—your class seats, your access to resources and allowences, and your ability to protect yourself from challenges. Your first semester your classes are assigned, In your second semester you must select your own classes, any student of a higher ranking can challenge for your seat in a class at any time, and the winner claims the class seat. Similarly, anyone in a lower ranking can challenge a higher rank to earn better resources and access to more competitive classes. It is a battle for survival in more ways than one."
Caelum’s mind raced. The Combat Trials would be a chance to prove himself against the other students, but they would also reveal his every strength and flaw. And with the nobles watching—waiting for any sign of weakness—failure wasn’t an option.
"The pressure will be immense," Alistair said, his voice grave. "But if you and Seraphine place high in these exams, it won’t just be a victory for you. It will be a victory for every student who comes from the mortal realm or lower bloodlines. Your success will show that magical potential isn’t tied to pedigree. It will challenge the very foundation the nobles stand on."
Caelum felt the weight of the headmaster’s words settle over him. This wasn’t just about proving himself. It was about stabalizing the balance of power at the academy. "I set up this system when I took office so the university was governed by personal merit and have fought with the nobles every step of the way." If Caelumand Seraphine succeeded, they would be setting a new precedent for future students—students like him, who didn’t come from noble blood, supporting the headmasters vision.
"And," Alistair added, his tone softening, "I believe in your ability to succeed. Both of you."
The room fell into silence as Caelum and Seraphine absorbed the enormity of what lay ahead. Their futures—and the futures of countless other students—rested on the outcome of these exams.
With the conversation seemingly drawing to a close, Alistair nodded toward them. "I suggest you begin preparing immediately. You’ll need every advantage you can get."
Caelum and Seraphine both looked at eachother with silent agreement, their heads spinning with the details of the exams, but just as they reached the door, Caelum hesitated, a question nagging at him, completely unrelated to what was just discussed, but unsure of when he would get another chance. He turned back to the headmaster, who was watching him with a raised eyebrow.
"Headmaster," Caelum began, trying to calculate how to phrase his question, "have you ever heard of a familiar... taking on a human form?"
Alistair’s expression shifted, curiosity lighting his eyes. "A familiar taking on a human form?" he repeated slowly, as though the thought had never occurred to him. "To the best of my knowledge, it’s unheard of within these walls. But in the distant lands of the Beast Nation, they may have encountered such occurrences. Why do you ask?"
Caelum hesitated, quickly covering his tracks. "I read about something similar in a story from the mortal world," he said, his tone casual. "I’m still trying to understand how vast the Magical plain really is."
The headmaster seemed satisfied with the answer, his expression thoughtful but unconcerned. "The Magical plain is indeed vast, Caelum. And full of surprises. Perhaps one day you’ll find the answer to your question."
With a nod of dismissal, Alistair turned back to his desk, leaving Caelum and Seraphine to exchange a quick glance before they finally stepped out of the office. The path ahead of them was daunting, but their resolve had never been stronger.